A barber in Auburn closed up shop Saturday afternoon after five decades in business, and his customers, some of them lifelong clients, gave him a proper send-off.

Harold Smith is heading to retirement after 50 years of cutting hair.

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"It's been a great 50 years. The people have been great, and it's made the whole trip terrific," said Smith.

Before Smith put down the clippers for the last time, area law enforcement officers arrived at his shop to thank him for his service and present him a coin that only goes to outstanding citizens.

"This has been, it's quite a send-off to say the least. I was not expecting this type of thing," said Smith.

"I've been coming to see Harold for my hair cuts since I was a kid, so just to see him leave the community is a sad day, but we're really thankful for our business leaders, like Harold, over the years who have been strong contributors to our community," said Auburn Police Chief Phillip Crowell.

It was the fire and police chiefs' idea to present Smith with a proper send-off.

"You can't find a better man. He's my dad, but it is what it is. You can't find a better guy," said Smith's son, Gary Smith.

Smith's son has converted the building into office space.

Smith's retirement party had some honored guests, including Gov. Paul LePage.